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Plug-in Solar supposedly going to be 'easier'?

Steve Nixon76

Hi all, new to the forum.

I've been reading (various media outlets are running with the story) that the government is planning to make it easier (no mention of safety) for consumers to connect solar PV panel inverter directly to the mains using a 3 pin plug and socket arrangement.

Considering all of the current guidance regarding the connection of a solar PV inverter to the mains (dedicated circuit, own RCD, no 3 pin plug), how is this all of a sudden going to be 'safe'?

The argument that 'Balcony Solar' is all the rage on the continent surely doesn't negate the potential risks all of a sudden. Surely the IET is in discussions with government and arguing that the dangers cannot simply be swept under the carpet?

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  • It's going to be in the middle aisle of your local Aldi or Lidl very soon.

    Today's Government press release.

    No need to worry about compliance with BS 7671 'cos it will be changed to suit. Scroll down to the end:

    "The government will work with the Energy Networks Association, DNOs and Ofgem to update the G98 distribution code and wiring regulations BS 7671 to allow UK households to connect <800W plug-in solar panels to domestic mains sockets, without the need for an electrician and with tailored safety standards."

  • in reply to Chris Pearson

    I saw that and smiled,  I suspect that the next obvious developments  will be a way to also permit plug-in battery storage  (that example is an 800W  (1600 W.hr so 2hrs at full load ) battery unit offered in Belgium).
    Then perhaps a bit of maximum power creep upwards towards a kW or 2, as it makes the solar thing far more effective, and can be used to reduce import and export so things are more self contained and keep the grid is less stressed.

    What I see (again), is regulation getting in the way, until there is a pinch point, and then getting out of the way again very fast.

    Mike

    PS 

    Edit - what I mean by fast here is 'fast for a government department' .

    The contract to perform a a study into this was awarded in October to Arceio in Milton Keynes,


    As far as I can see the dept has made its decision and is issuing its conclusions before the report has been delivered and published !! 


    see https://bidstats.uk/tenders/2025/W43/856948999 for some contract info.

    Note that above the trivial limit of 800 W is 'tolerated' on the Schuko connector by the VDE - the German standards body.

    Apparently a polarized touch proof connector such as the Weiland RST series is much preferred, and mandated above 800W.

  • in reply to Chris Pearson
    Chris Pearson said:
    The government will work with the Energy Networks Association, DNOs and Ofgem to update the G98 distribution code and wiring regulations BS 7671 to allow UK households to connect <800W plug-in solar panels to domestic mains sockets, without the need for an electrician and with tailored safety standards."

    There's a bit more to do than that .... including Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations mandating BS 1363 ....

    BS 1363 has contained the highlighted statement since 2007.

  • in reply to mapj1
    mapj1 said:
    that example is an 800W  (1600 W.hr so 2hrs at full load ) battery unit offered in Belgium

    €1750. Suppose that you charge it up during the day and use it all up in the evening, that would save about 40p per day = £150/year, so quite a long pay-back period.

  • in reply to gkenyon
    gkenyon said:
    There's a bit more to do than that .... including Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations mandating BS 1363 ....

    Amending secondary legislation shouldn't be a problem, but it does demonstrate that ministers have not been well-briefed.

  • in reply to Chris Pearson

    If this is really a good idea, and necessary for some people, I also agree standards shouldn't be used to stifle or bar innovation ...

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  • in reply to Chris Pearson

    If this is really a good idea, and necessary for some people, I also agree standards shouldn't be used to stifle or bar innovation ...

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